Vidanta time share advice

[wahequad2]

usual.

Hi I need some help. I am currently staying at Vidanta Riviera Maya. I attended their sales presentation today. I was offered 2 weeks 1 bedroom studio at vidanta resorts + 4 weeks via sfx exchange at $ 13,000 usd + 150,000 points holiday inn club vacation(hicv) valued at $38,000. I am supposed to go back tomorrow to sign the contract and start the paper wok to transfermy hicv ownershipto them. I came to vidanta grand mayan for 1 week stay using my hicv/rci exchange program. Let me know your suggestions. Thanks

 

[jasontugaccount]

Sticky - Know Your Rights Of Rescission Before Attending A Mexican Timeshare Presentation

"If you are asked to sign a note that you are waiving the 5-day rescission (cancellation) period granted by Mexico (in case you change your mind about the purchase) that waiver is a fraud...." Profeco brochure specific to timeshare purchase in Mexico...

tugbbs.com

 

[rboesl]

As a current Vidanta owner I would recommend you not sign on the dotted line. Vidanta resorts ARE beautiful. But, they don't give you the flexibility you currently have with HICV. And, SFX does not have resort reach you currently have with RCI and HICV.

You will also find that when you are ready to no longer be a member they make it extremely expensive to sell it on the secondary market. Forcing you to wait for the renewal period to come and go to get out.

Yes, you don't have an annual maintenance fee. But, to some degree you've paid those up front and then pay a higher reservation fee to return when you decide you want to go.

Keep the money in your pocket. Use RCI to go to a Vidanta resort when you want. And use your HICV membership to go to other locations when you don't.

 

[wahequad2]

As a current Vidanta owner I would recommend you not sign on the dotted line. Vidanta resorts ARE beautiful. But, they don't give you the flexibility you currently have with HICV. And, SFX does not have resort reach you currently have with RCI and HICV.

You will also find that when you are ready to no longer be a member they make it extremely expensive to sell it on the secondary market. Forcing you to wait for the renewal period to come and go to get out.

Yes, you don't have an annual maintenance fee. But, to some degree you've paid those up front and then pay a higher reservation fee to return when you decide you want to go.

Keep the money in your pocket. Use RCI to go to a Vidanta resort when you want. And use your HICV membership to go to other locations when you don't.

Thank tou very much this is very helpful.

 

[wahequad2]

The reason i was considering it was with hicv we have access to around 20 resorts in US. Most of the time when i searh RCI exchange via hicv the options are limited. I was told that SFX is much better than RCI in terms of availability. But you are right i currently pay $1550 maintenance fee and i have to $99 reservation fee for HICV resorts and $299 for HICV/ RCI exchange resorts. So i generally pay $2000 and able to book three weeks of vacations at different places. If i go with vidanta there is no $1500 maintenance fee. However i need to pay $900/$1250 usage fee for vidanta resorts for 1 week reservation. And $ 499 - $799 reservation for SFX vacations. So I might end up paying > $2000 if i want to use 6 weeks of my available vacation weeks. They are saying that vidanta is better quality than HICV points system and they are suppose to expand as they build the kingdom of son resorts and theme parks.

 

[Eric B]

I was told that SFX is much better than RCI in terms of availability.

This is not true. SFX has fairly good availability in Mexico but rather poor availability in the U.S. You also cannot search the inventory they have so will be unable to verify whether they have what you want when you are deciding where to deposit your week for an exchange. You can get SFX membership without buying from Vidanta and see for yourself.

+ 150,000 points holiday inn club vacation(hicv) valued at $38,000.

The "trade in your old timeshare" gambit is a frequent selling point/scam with Mexican timeshares. They don't want your timeshare and will not take it off your hands. Instead, they will provide your information to a third party timeshare disposal company that will try to charge you a fee and merely advertise the timeshare for sale or try to give it away on Timeshare Nation. They will never have you transfer the timeshare to them because they don't want it. If you think back to the sales presentation, they never requested any proof of ownership from you for that timeshare, did they? What for profit organization can you think of that would give you $38,000 in credit for something that you only told you that you own but didn't prove you own? If you search through this forum you will find many threads with people documenting their transactions with Vidanta in which they still have their old timeshare (I'm one). It is amusing when as part of the transaction the third party company tries to sell you the old timeshare that they were supposed to move to someone else.

They are saying that vidanta is better quality than HICV points system and they are suppose to expand as they build the kingdom of son resorts and theme parks.

They are building new resorts, but at a much higher level than the entry level you would be buying in at. They are also building them rather slowly - their resort in East Cape near Los Cabos was supposed to open years ago but they have barely started it. The theme park in Nuevo Vallarta was supposed to open in 2018. They do have very nice resorts, but the Vidanta way is to get you on a never ending upgrade process in order to access the higher levels - if you purchase with them they will prevent you from exchanging into any level of the resort above what you own. If you don't own with them, you can exchange into whatever level your exchange system is affiliated, though they may limit it to 1 in 3 years, etc. Bottom line is that it is way less expensive to exchange into a Vidanta resort than it is to reserve as an owner even after you have paid to be an owner.

 

[T-Dot-Traveller]

.... attended their sales presentation today. I was offered 2 weeks 1 bedroom studio at vidanta resorts

Vidanta studios are basically a hotel room. [The are the lock off portion of a 2 bedroom]
You get a coffee maker & a 6 pack fridge

The usage fee per square foot is higher than a 1 or 2 bedroom. The buy in cost is lower - but in my opinion buying a studio is like when car dealers
sold the stripper version vehicle - no air conditioning -wind up windows -manual shift - basic engine.

[You will have less space and have to pay full (on resort) restaurant price for all your meals.]

+ 4 weeks via sfx exchange at $ 13,000 usd

+ 150,000 points holiday inn club vacation(hicv) valued at $38,000. I am supposed to go back tomorrow to sign the contract and start the paper wok

@Eric B gave you a good explaination of SFX and trade ins.

 

[Kyoung]

Thank you all for your excellent information. I, too, just left an extremely irritating sales presentation. I decline to say how long- it embarrassing. We got out because I refused to sign a contract I had not read in detail. We were finally allowed to come back to review tomorrow. I am using my time this evening to research- so glad I did!!!

 

[pittle]

If you chose to purchase, you do have 5 days to cancel. When we did our last upgrade, we had talked about it before we went to the meeting. Once we negotiated what we thought was a good deal, we signed all the paperwork and then brought it back to the room and we each read it in detail and made notes on what was not what we were told. (Actually, I had highlighters.) We then went back and they gave us some addendums to keep us from cancelling. It wastes an extra day.

I in in NV right now - GL Tower II. After declining at check-in, I received a call on Sunday morning and then again on Monday morning trying to coerce me into coming to see all the free benefits that I am eligible for as a long time owner.

 

[Fabulist]

If you chose to purchase, you do have 5 days to cancel. When we did our last upgrade, we had talked about it before we went to the meeting. Once we negotiated what we thought was a good deal, we signed all the paperwork and then brought it back to the room and we each read it in detail and made notes on what was not what we were told. (Actually, I had highlighters.) We then went back and they gave us some addendums to keep us from cancelling. It wastes an extra day.

I in in NV right now - GL Tower II. After declining at check-in, I received a call on Sunday morning and then again on Monday morning trying to coerce me into coming to see all the free benefits that I am eligible for as a long time owner.

What is the process to cancel? I'm on site now and regretting our decision to sign our contracts without really reading them well enough.

 

[Passepartout]

What is the process to cancel? I'm on site now and regretting our decision to sign our contracts without really reading them well enough.

They will work VERY hard to save the sale. I'm not an 'owner' there, but I think you can get an appointment with Owner services (or something like that) to cancel. Absent that, get with PROFECO-= the Mexican Consumer agency- and open a case. There should also be instructions in the packet you were given. They may not make it easy to find, but it MUST be there.

 

[Fabulist]

They will work VERY hard to save the sale. I'm not an 'owner' there, but I think you can get an appointment with Owner services (or something like that) to cancel. Absent that, get with PROFECO-= the Mexican Consumer agency- and open a case. There should also be instructions in the packet you were given. They may not make it easy to find, but it MUST be there.

Thank you! I was able to cancel by calling member services. I somehow got out of there in an hour! I do realize you have to sound very determined and ask to sign the rescind letter right away. Otherwise they look for any opportunity for you to waver. I have no issues and actually like Vidanta, but I definitely need to think through things like this thoroughly - not in a week while on vacation.

 

[Passepartout]

Thank you! I was able to cancel by calling member services. I somehow got out of there in an hour! I do realize you have to sound very determined and ask to sign the rescind letter right away.

That's GREAT!. Congrats. Now, just an FYI. Mexican timeshares are generally really nice, but they load them up with extra fees, and upgrades, and make them extremely difficult to unload. OTOH, if you own a US based TS, it's generally pretty easy to exchange into Mexican properties. We just came back from a Vidanta stay right where the recent eclipse first5 appeared on land. The place was loaded with NASA folks with telescopes and seminars. That said, as exchangers, we had a lovely parking lot and highway view instead of the ocean. So it goes.

Jim

 

[WorldT]

Thank you! I was able to cancel by calling member services. I somehow got out of there in an hour! I do realize you have to sound very determined and ask to sign the rescind letter right away. Otherwise they look for any opportunity for you to waver. I have no issues and actually like Vidanta, but I definitely need to think through things like this thoroughly - not in a week while on vacation.

Did you get a copy of that recision letter? You want to have something for your reference.

 

[Fabulist]

Did you get a copy of that recision letter? You want to have something for your reference.

We did thanks for the suggestion! They were actually quite lovely to work with so that counts for something to us!

 

[Toes_in_the_sand]

There is nothing wrong with owning at Vidanta. However, they will never truly buy your timeshare. It's just a ploy to get you to buy. The key is to get the level/unit you want and to get proper addendums written into the contract. Most who visit for the presentation do not understand that it is a negotiation and you have leverage. You have what they want - your money and signature. First, don't buy in at lower than the Grand Bliss level. If they tell you you can not then tell them you have ZERO interest. Trust me, they will come up with a way that a Grand Bliss level contract is suddenly available. Usually with some story that it just became available from a member who defaulted. It's all BS - EVERYTHING that comes out of the sales person's mouth is BS. Personally I would not enter a Vidanta contract at a level lower than Grand Luxxe. Again, they will try to tell you it's not available. Trust me, it is.

What you want is a typical Vidanta 1+ 2 contract. It is a registered week that is good for 10 years and 2 right to use contracts that are good for 100 years (renewable every 10 years). You want the Golf and Spa privileges. They used to offer 16 free round of golf and 2 free massages per week. Now it's $40/$60 golf and 2 for 1 massage. Push to get the former if you can. Next you want an addendum that gives you access to 100% of the available inventory up to 12 months in advance for all 3 week. This is very important. Next you want an addendum that you do not pay mandatory maintenance fees. This is easy to get and most of the time is offered up front. Most importantly, you want an addendum that states that if you sell your contract the transfer fee will be no more than the taxes originally paid for the contract. Otherwise, your Grand Luxxe contract will state that the transfer fee is 10x your usage fee. This will make the transfer fee somewhere between $18,000 - $48,000 depending on the unit you buy into. Taxes will only be between $2,800 - $5,000. You also want an addendum in writing that states all of your privileges will be available to your guests if you are not present at the resort. For example, if you let a friend, relative or renter use one of your weeks, Vidanta will not allow them to have any of your privileges because you are not there using the unit. This is a key addendum that you should demand and refuse to buy without it.

The theme park in Nuevo Nayarit is currently in a soft opening. I should be fully opened with the next 10 - 12 months. Be sure to get the VIP park package and gondola privileges included in your contract. It allows you VIP access to all of their parks, present and future. You can pay for 1.5 days at the park and get 7 days. Currently they have the Jungala water park in Riviera Maya and the theme park in Nuevo Nayarit. They are talking about building a theme park in Riviera Maya and they can do it as they have a very expansive amount of land across the highway where their Cirque Du Soliel show is. They are also building a larger Jungala water park at the Nuevo theme park that will be part of phase 2 across the highway. So the VIP package is going to be important.

Understand that the Vidanta sales people will lie to you and promise things that do not exist. Anything you are interested in, tell them to put it in writing. It will shut them up... Also, they will start with prices that are higher than a mansion here in the US. When they do, please laugh out loud at them. Make them uncomfortable - it will only help your cause. For Grand Luxxe your contract should be around this price: Grand Luxxe - Master Room (studio) $12,000, Junior Suite (small 1 bedroom) $16,000, Grand Luxxe Loft (studio) $19,000, 1 bedroom suite $22,000, 1 bedroom villa $22,000, 2 bedroom suite $30,000, 2 bedroom villa $33,000, 2 bedroom spa $30,000, 3 bedroom spa $38,000, 1 bedroom residence loft $58,000, 2 bedroom residence loft $79,000, 3 bedroom residence loft $99,000, 2 bedroom residence (in construction) $79,000, 3 bedroom residence (in construction) $105,000, 4 bedroom residence $160,000. Estates - 1 bedroom $150,000, 2 bedroom $210,000, 3 bedroom $275,000, 4 bedroom $500,000+. Empire estates will cost a little more than the Estates in the same unit sizes.

 

[Fabulist]

There is nothing wrong with owning at Vidanta. However, they will never truly buy your timeshare. It's just a ploy to get you to buy. The key is to get the level/unit you want and to get proper addendums written into the contract. Most who visit for the presentation do not understand that it is a negotiation and you have leverage. You have what they want - your money and signature. First, don't buy in at lower than the Grand Bliss level. If they tell you you can not then tell them you have ZERO interest. Trust me, they will come up with a way that a Grand Bliss level contract is suddenly available. Usually with some story that it just became available from a member who defaulted. It's all BS - EVERYTHING that comes out of the sales person's mouth is BS. Personally I would not enter a Vidanta contract at a level lower than Grand Luxxe. Again, they will try to tell you it's not available. Trust me, it is.

What you want is a typical Vidanta 1+ 2 contract. It is a registered week that is good for 10 years and 2 right to use contracts that are good for 100 years (renewable every 10 years). You want the Golf and Spa privileges. They used to offer 16 free round of golf and 2 free massages per week. Now it's $40/$60 golf and 2 for 1 massage. Push to get the former if you can. Next you want an addendum that gives you access to 100% of the available inventory up to 12 months in advance for all 3 week. This is very important. Next you want an addendum that you do not pay mandatory maintenance fees. This is easy to get and most of the time is offered up front. Most importantly, you want an addendum that states that if you sell your contract the transfer fee will be no more than the taxes originally paid for the contract. Otherwise, your Grand Luxxe contract will state that the transfer fee is 10x your usage fee. This will make the transfer fee somewhere between $18,000 - $48,000 depending on the unit you buy into. Taxes will only be between $2,800 - $5,000. You also want an addendum in writing that states all of your privileges will be available to your guests if you are not present at the resort. For example, if you let a friend, relative or renter use one of your weeks, Vidanta will not allow them to have any of your privileges because you are not there using the unit. This is a key addendum that you should demand and refuse to buy without it.

The theme park in Nuevo Nayarit is currently in a soft opening. I should be fully opened with the next 10 - 12 months. Be sure to get the VIP park package and gondola privileges included in your contract. It allows you VIP access to all of their parks, present and future. You can pay for 1.5 days at the park and get 7 days. Currently they have the Jungala water park in Riviera Maya and the theme park in Nuevo Nayarit. They are talking about building a theme park in Riviera Maya and they can do it as they have a very expansive amount of land across the highway where their Cirque Du Soliel show is. They are also building a larger Jungala water park at the Nuevo theme park that will be part of phase 2 across the highway. So the VIP package is going to be important.

Understand that the Vidanta sales people will lie to you and promise things that do not exist. Anything you are interested in, tell them to put it in writing. It will shut them up... Also, they will start with prices that are higher than a mansion here in the US. When they do, please laugh out loud at them. Make them uncomfortable - it will only help your cause. For Grand Luxxe your contract should be around this price: Grand Luxxe - Master Room (studio) $12,000, Junior Suite (small 1 bedroom) $16,000, Grand Luxxe Loft (studio) $19,000, 1 bedroom suite $22,000, 1 bedroom villa $22,000, 2 bedroom suite $30,000, 2 bedroom villa $33,000, 2 bedroom spa $30,000, 3 bedroom spa $38,000, 1 bedroom residence loft $58,000, 2 bedroom residence loft $79,000, 3 bedroom residence loft $99,000, 2 bedroom residence (in construction) $79,000, 3 bedroom residence (in construction) $105,000, 4 bedroom residence $160,000. Estates - 1 bedroom $150,000, 2 bedroom $210,000, 3 bedroom $275,000, 4 bedroom $500,000+. Empire estates will cost a little more than the Estates in the same unit sizes.

Wow this is incredible intel. How do you happen to have those estimates on what a 'buy in' should look like by level?

Also have you ever seen anyone sell their contract and it would include the residence weeks? The contracts I've seen says nothing transfers except for the registered week - no benefits or promotional programs. Which leaves you with little value for resale.

 

[pittle]

Toes-in-the-Sand is correct on his info. You can get addendums added fairly easily if you are not willing to sign and pay without them. His bottom line numbers are pretty close too. If you are trading a current Vidanta contract, they give you what they call "equity" towards the extremely high beginning price. They also add Closing Costs IVF taxes to the amount you have agreed to pay. Those are not negotiable.

As a long time 'owner' of lots of paper from Vidanta, We were able to leverage 3 cheap resale units on eBay from 1999 to 2006 to get a really good deal on two 2-bedroom Grand Mayan units with all the bells and whistles. All were before the 10 year renewal fee started. We had a 5 year renovation fee that was equal to 1 MF. With all the earlier contracts you had to pay MF each year whether you went or not. We did get the Usage Fee only if you went with the GM units. Later in 2007, we were able to get the Senior Certificates for all 6 of our weeks just by going to the office to sign up. When those came, they changed all of our other contracts to no pay unless you go. We used our weeks for extended family vacations for many years.

In 2013, we drove from Mazatlan to NV using an RCI Extra Vacation just to see how the drive went and what was happening in NV. At that time, even though we were retired, family was not traveling as much for various reasons, so we figured out how much all our renovation fees would be until the contracts expired and came up with a number that we would be willing to pay for two 2-bedroom GL units. One condition was that we kept our Senior Certificates because the use of free weeks would kick into effect in 2023. They came very close to our number - less that $1000 more, so we decided to turn in 7 weeks for 2 really nice weeks. I can split them into 4 weeks at lower levels if I want to. When it came to signing the contract, the Closing & IVF were non negotiable and added several thousand dollars to our GL "investment".

But, the bottom line is that we took lots of really nice vacations for 25 years so far, and starting last year we did not have to pay usage fees at all to use 2 of our weeks. Last year we went to Acapulco for a week in a 2-bedroom GM, Puerto Penasco for a 1-bedroom GM, and a week in a 2-bedroom GL in NV and did not pay any usage fees. I took a friend to GL 2-bedroom in NV two weeks ago and have a 1-bedroom and a 2-bedroom at the MP Marina location in PV for this November. So 6 weeks no usage fees for the firt 2 years of Sr. Certs.

I did pay my 10 year renewal fee of just over $5000 in late December. With all that we have paid in for purchases and upgrades and this 10 year renewal fee, I will break even around 2031, so my last 2 years really will be free. I came up with that amount by using what the Usage fees would be in the future for 2 weeks for 10 years and subtracted what we paid ifor every contract since February 1999.

I will not pay the renewal fees in 2024 because I will be 87 and doubt that I will be traveling for 10 more years. If I can, I will just pay to go somewhere. .

 

[Toes_in_the_sand]

Wow this is incredible intel. How do you happen to have those estimates on what a 'buy in' should look like by level?

Also have you ever seen anyone sell their contract and it would include the residence weeks? The contracts I've seen says nothing transfers except for the registered week - no benefits or promotional programs. Which leaves you with little value for resale.

Correct, only the registered week transfers. But you can go to an update and convert it to a full contract for a fee $$$. I know the general costs because I am a very long time member and have talked to hundreds of other members in person and in the facebook Vidanta groups. You can sell Grand Bliss and above if you don't have the 10x transfer fee in your contract. Most Grand Luxxe contracts have this fee. Estates and above do not and they are the top tier so they do have value. Finding an Estates owner who will sell for less than $100k is difficult as some have spent over $1,000,000 on their contracts.

 

[Dayas]

One of the things I keep reading on this forum is people asking how to “get out of” there timeshare with vidanta. Correct me if I am wrong, but if you paid in cash and didn’t finance anything then there is nothing really to get out of right? If the only fee is the usage fee when you go, and you just stop going, then there is nothing to get out of?

 

[pittle]

One of the things I keep reading on this forum is people asking how to “get out of” there timeshare with Vidanta. Correct me if I am wrong, but if you paid in cash and didn’t finance anything then there is nothing really to get out of right? If the only fee is the usage fee when you go, and you just stop going, then there is nothing to get out of?

The original purchase price for the right to use a week or two each year at Vidanta is very steep and then you have usage fees that are pricey too. Some people still owe a significant portion of that and are hoping to get a significant portion of their initial "investment" back. That will never happen except for in a very few cases because of the cost to transfer your unit is often 10 times a usasage fee..

We never regretted it because we found that we really did like vacationing in Mexico and by having a timeshare, we needed to plan a vacation and not just be homebodies.

 

[Dayas]

The original purchase price for the right to use a week or two each year at Vidanta is very steep and then you have usage fees that are pricey too. Some people still owe a significant portion of that and are hoping to get a significant portion of their initial "investment" back. That will never happen except for in a very few cases because of the cost to transfer your unit is often 10 times a usasage fee..

We never regretted it because we found that we really did like vacationing in Mexico and by having a timeshare, we needed to plan a vacation and not just be homebodies.

This is where my family I sat as well. We have visited Vidantas in Nuevo Vallarta several times now on ambassador passes. We have done the sales presentation twice now and haven’t really been that pressured to do anything.

We love it here and are probably signing contract shortly for a loft at the grand luxxe.

 

[TS2011]

There is nothing wrong with owning at Vidanta. However, they will never truly buy your timeshare. It's just a ploy to get you to buy. The key is to get the level/unit you want and to get proper addendums written into the contract. Most who visit for the presentation do not understand that it is a negotiation and you have leverage. You have what they want - your money and signature. First, don't buy in at lower than the Grand Bliss level. If they tell you you can not then tell them you have ZERO interest. Trust me, they will come up with a way that a Grand Bliss level contract is suddenly available. Usually with some story that it just became available from a member who defaulted. It's all BS - EVERYTHING that comes out of the sales person's mouth is BS. Personally I would not enter a Vidanta contract at a level lower than Grand Luxxe. Again, they will try to tell you it's not available. Trust me, it is.

What you want is a typical Vidanta 1+ 2 contract. It is a registered week that is good for 10 years and 2 right to use contracts that are good for 100 years (renewable every 10 years). You want the Golf and Spa privileges. They used to offer 16 free round of golf and 2 free massages per week. Now it's $40/$60 golf and 2 for 1 massage. Push to get the former if you can. Next you want an addendum that gives you access to 100% of the available inventory up to 12 months in advance for all 3 week. This is very important. Next you want an addendum that you do not pay mandatory maintenance fees. This is easy to get and most of the time is offered up front. Most importantly, you want an addendum that states that if you sell your contract the transfer fee will be no more than the taxes originally paid for the contract. Otherwise, your Grand Luxxe contract will state that the transfer fee is 10x your usage fee. This will make the transfer fee somewhere between $18,000 - $48,000 depending on the unit you buy into. Taxes will only be between $2,800 - $5,000. You also want an addendum in writing that states all of your privileges will be available to your guests if you are not present at the resort. For example, if you let a friend, relative or renter use one of your weeks, Vidanta will not allow them to have any of your privileges because you are not there using the unit. This is a key addendum that you should demand and refuse to buy without it.

The theme park in Nuevo Nayarit is currently in a soft opening. I should be fully opened with the next 10 - 12 months. Be sure to get the VIP park package and gondola privileges included in your contract. It allows you VIP access to all of their parks, present and future. You can pay for 1.5 days at the park and get 7 days. Currently they have the Jungala water park in Riviera Maya and the theme park in Nuevo Nayarit. They are talking about building a theme park in Riviera Maya and they can do it as they have a very expansive amount of land across the highway where their Cirque Du Soliel show is. They are also building a larger Jungala water park at the Nuevo theme park that will be part of phase 2 across the highway. So the VIP package is going to be important.

Understand that the Vidanta sales people will lie to you and promise things that do not exist. Anything you are interested in, tell them to put it in writing. It will shut them up... Also, they will start with prices that are higher than a mansion here in the US. When they do, please laugh out loud at them. Make them uncomfortable - it will only help your cause. For Grand Luxxe your contract should be around this price: Grand Luxxe - Master Room (studio) $12,000, Junior Suite (small 1 bedroom) $16,000, Grand Luxxe Loft (studio) $19,000, 1 bedroom suite $22,000, 1 bedroom villa $22,000, 2 bedroom suite $30,000, 2 bedroom villa $33,000, 2 bedroom spa $30,000, 3 bedroom spa $38,000, 1 bedroom residence loft $58,000, 2 bedroom residence loft $79,000, 3 bedroom residence loft $99,000, 2 bedroom residence (in construction) $79,000, 3 bedroom residence (in construction) $105,000, 4 bedroom residence $160,000. Estates - 1 bedroom $150,000, 2 bedroom $210,000, 3 bedroom $275,000, 4 bedroom $500,000+. Empire estates will cost a little more than the Estates in the same unit sizes.

Hi, I need some help with a Grand Luxe contract (for a GL loft)...

I believe that I have the type of contract that you describe above. That is, a 1+2 contract. My understanding is that my Registered Week will expire at the end of this year, and with it will go many of the privileges attached to it (Certificate Residences, Promotional and Golf 50%, Promotional Reservation Window, Registry Collection, Rental and Resale Disclaimer, SFX Diamond Membership, Ambassador, Vida LifeStyle Platinum (I understand that many of these have zero value). My biggest concern, though, is what the sales person told me (I"m on site at Riviera Maya now). Even though I bought the contract in Mayan Riviera, I own in Nuevo Vallarta. I believe this is because they didn't/don't have GL lofts in the Mayan Riviera.

The sales person said that because my Registered Week is expiring at the end of the year, the other two weeks will only allow me to come back to the Grand Luxxe at the Mayan Riviera maybe during low season (like hurricane season) because they don't have enough power and there will be less demand on the resort during low season. He said that my remaining 2 weeks wouldn't compete with the "higher up" owners at times of the year other than the low demand months. He said that the higher up customers would be competing for the Grand Luxxe if they didn't want to upgrade to the new levels (please see below, I think that's what he was saying).

My understanding from him is that they are tearing down the Mayan Palace and beginning a whole new cycle of building for higher end customers. The bottom line of what he was telling me is that my remaining two weeks are kind of "worthless" if I want to come back to the GL at the Mayan Riviera any time other than low season. Otherwise, I'd need to come back to the Mayan Riviera via the Bliss level.

My question is whether you think that there is any truth to what he is saying. Many thanks for your input.

 

[Eric B]

My question is whether you think that there is any truth to what he is saying.

I wouldn't believe a word he is saying. You should be able to continue using your 2 non-registered weeks the same as you already were able to.

 

[T-Dot-Traveller]

I believe that I have the type of contract that you describe above. That is, a 1+2 contract. My understanding is that my Registered Week will expire at the end of this year, and with it will go many of the privileges attached to it (Certificate Residences, Promotional and Golf 50%, Promotional Reservation Window, Registry Collection, Rental and Resale Disclaimer, SFX Diamond

Hi @TS2011,
Welcome to TUG ,
I assume you bought 10 years ago. Find your contract & read the details.
There will be a fee to renew the 2 residence weeks for another 10 years .

The sales person said ,,,,,,,, because they don't have enough power and there will be less demand on the resort during low season. He said that my remaining 2 weeks wouldn't compete with the "higher up" owners at times of the year other than the low demand months. He said that the higher up customers would be competing for the Grand Luxxe if they didn't want to upgrade to the new levels (please see below, I think that's what he was saying).

@Eric B is correct - your 2 weeks will continue to be useable
The sales person was trying to use "fear of losing" - a benefit to get you to open your wallet.

Note : There is no such thing as " booking power" when you call Reservations.

Advanced Booking Window is what matters - 12 months - 9 months - 6 months etc.
If you call at 9 am the morning your window opens ; you have access to all inventory that is available at that point.

Read your contract and look for the booking window.
Grand Luxxe contracts of your era of purchase probably list 12 months for both the registered weeks and the residence weeks.
[ note : based on TUG info - some more recently sold contracts may have a different window for residence weeks / or the window is shorter for
some parts of peek snowbird season- Jan- Feb- March ]

My understanding from him is that they are tearing down the Mayan Palace and beginning a whole new cycle of building for higher end customers. The bottom line of what he was telling me is that my remaining two weeks are kind of "worthless" if I want to come back to the GL at the Mayan Riviera any time other than low season. Otherwise, I'd need to come back to the Mayan Riviera via the Bliss level.

Vida Sales in Riviera Maya has been spreading the rumour of the demise of the Mayan Palace brand for at least 15 years.
[ Vidanta did tear down some Mayan Palace buildings in Nuevo Vallarta around 2010 to make room for Grand Luxxe NV buildings ]

Remember - Vida Sales also has a sales force that sells to Mexican Nationals. Back in 2010 I was basically told by a Mexican born bilingually saleperson-
" of course we are still selling Sea Garden to Mexicans - we are just no longer selling it to gringos "

My question is whether you think that there is any truth to what he is saying. Many thanks for your input.

The Vida Sales person wanted to sell you a new contract